Hutton to identify transfer targets during midseason break

Simon Collins

Derry City boss, Peter Hutton will use the two week mid-season break to identify possible transfer targets in a bid to turn around the fortunes of the ‘Candy Stripes’

While his players will be enjoying some much needed respite after a difficult season so far, Hutton will be busy working behind the scenes as he attempts to strengthen his squad.

The problematic right back position will no doubt be his major focus but the Derry boss claims he will be targeting quality players who are not a ‘quick fix’.

City, who ended the first half of the season with a 2-2 draw at Sligo Rovers, are without a recognised right back following the departures of Roddy Collins Jr. and makeshift defender J. P McGovern.

Hutton has released four players signed by ex-manager, Roddy Collins in recent weeks, freeing up finance for possible targets in July’s Transfer Window.

And Hutton suggested there could be more arrivals to join new signing, Phillip Lowry in a bid to launch a challenge in the league, FAI Cup and European campaigns.

“At the minute we need a fresh impetus and need to bring a few players in,” said Hutton.

“It’s about getting quality in. It’s not about bringing players in just for the sake of it. We need players to add to the squad and improve the team already there.

“This time of the year can be a bit up in the air in terms of personnel so it’s important we do the business and do it right.

“We’re looking out for players who can bring something to this squad overall and not just for the remainder of the season but going forward.

“We’re looking at the long term rather than just as a short term fix.”

Hutton, who has been in charge for six games, winning two, losing three and drawing one, will also take a few days off before attending to any transfer business.

And he expects his players to return to training next week refreshed and well prepared as they resume their campaign against leaders Dundalk on June 27th.

“The players are away for a few days but they’re not taking a two week break as such. They will have this week off and then they’re back getting ready for the Dundalk game.

“It’s a very difficult game to come back into so it’s important that while they’re on a break they look after themselves and prepare themselves right.”

High praise for Ryan

Meanwhile, Hutton was delighted with the contribution of Ryan McBride who netted twice at the Showgrounds on Friday night.

Derry bounced back from an early deficit but Danny Ledwith’s strike before the break denied them a first away win of the season.

“It was a game we probably should have won. We had enough chances, particularly second half but credit to Sligo, their keeper pulled off some great saves towards the end. It’s disappointing we didn’t come away with all three points.

“We spoke about learning from the St Pat’s defeat prior to the game in terms of players taking responsibility and showing character and I thought they did that.

“Ryan McBride really put his body on the line to get his first goal which was typical of him. He went and won a header which probably wasn’t his to win and then was in the right place at the right time for the second.

“Throughout the game he was a colossus.

“There were a lot of good performances. But the manner in which we got back into the game was really pleasing.

“Ryan has been tremendous throughout the season. Irrespective of who his partner is at the back he’s been a model of consistency.”

It would have been nice to go into the break on the back of a first away win of the season but Hutton was pleased with encouraging signs.

“The performances, apart from the St Pat’s game, have been fairly good. We’re conscious of the fact we still have a bit of work to do to climb up the table.

“The break probably hasn’t come at the right time for us but the flip side of that is, given that the season so far has been a bit of a roller coaster, maybe the players can come back refreshed and ready to go again and look forward to the challenges ahead.

“I’m disappointed not to go into the break with the three points.

“The chance right at the death with Barry McNamee, Barry knows himself he should have scored from close range.

“But overall we can take positives from it and move on,” he concluded.